BMW X3 vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, with a long hood and low ground clearance, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante of the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking, surrounded by a solid grille with lighting effects. The Sport trim, in particular, had a muted dark triangular motif, and the vehicle's imposing presence was enhanced by 22-inch wheels. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted a luxurious interior with C-shaped headrests, leather-wrapped seats, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console offered limited functionality, and some elements seemed cobbled together.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV. Its long hood, athletic proportions, and expressive 21-inch wheels contributed to its sporty look. The Arctic Race Blue paint with silver undertones and gloss black M Sport details added to its allure. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials where expected. The dashboard featured the BMW Curved Display, housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the front seats were comfortable with Veganza artificial leather, the rear seats were less so, with complaints about the hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for continuous all-wheel drive (AWD). The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a claimed range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 307 miles with AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery topping to 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hampered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the vehicle's weight raised concerns about its durability under hard use.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a respectable zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The engine's power curve, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system, contributed to its performance. The X3 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality could be harsh on imperfect roads. Fuel economy was impressive, with a combined rating of 29 mpg, though real-world testing yielded 24.2 mpg.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch interaction. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a more spacious and functional interior. The power-adjustable driver's seat provided a sports car-like view of the hood, enhancing parking ease. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard and the BMW Curved Display. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment and heating, while the rear seats were less so. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor. The X3's interior design and features contributed to a more user-friendly experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display was powered by the new Operating System 9, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, the system faced challenges with profile creation and access to BMW Digital Services. The infotainment system occasionally froze, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video feature provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.